angeliki_kar's reviews
121 reviews

2.5

Breakthrough: How to Think Like a Scientist, Learn How to Fail and Embrace the Unknown by Camilla Pang

challenging informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

“Breakthrough” by Dr. Camilla Pang , couldn’t have come at a more relevant time for me. Having recently watched a documentary on flat earthers, this read offered a refreshing reminder of what true scientific exploration is all about.

Dr. Pang masterfully illustrates the vast difference between casually accessing information and the rigorous process of scientific discovery—experimenting, documenting, and proving concepts. In an era where information is at our fingertips, it’s crucial to remember that Googling isn’t the same as knowing. “Breakthrough” focuses on the essence of science, advocating for a healthy skepticism that seeks evidence and experimentation rather than mere conjecture and showing that the scientific journey is not only about what’s been discovered but also about the mysteries that still elude us.

As someone whose background is in the social sciences, I found this exploration of natural science surprisingly nostalgic. The book took me back to my university days, reminding me of the joys and struggles of academic research—from designing experiments to the rollercoaster of proving a thesis. Though I’ve stepped away from academic work since completing my master’s, Dr. Pang’s vivid storytelling reignited my appreciation for the meticulous process that science demands.

Whether you’re a science enthusiast or just curious about the world, “Breakthrough” offers a compelling look at the never-ending journey of learning and the joy it brings. A must-read for anyone looking to understand how scientific principles can illuminate every aspect of life!

Thank you to @vikingbooksuk for sharing an advanced copy of the book with us in exchange for an honest review.

I Will Greet the Sun Again by Khashayar J. Khabushani

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

"I Will Greet the Sun Again," is a powerful debut that follows the coming-of-age story of three young brothers and their journey of self-discovery, navigating complex family relationships, and the pursuit of belonging in '90s Los Angeles. The novel also takes us to Iran, providing a unique glimpse of post-revolutionary life through the perspective of first-generation immigrants.

I was graciously given an advance reading copy of this book by Viking in exchange for an honest review. Initially worried about meeting the publication deadline, I couldn't put it down once I started reading and finished it within a weekend! The atmospheric writing beautifully transports you between California and Iran, immersing you in the vividly portrayed settings. The author weaves cultural complexities, queerness and family dynamics crafting a story that unfolds through a series of snapshots of the lives of the three brothers during the turn of the new millennium. The portrayal of Iranian-American life and the relationship among the brothers and their mother adds depth and tenderness to the story.

It's important to note that the book tackles difficult topics such as physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, which caught me off guard and felt overwhelming at times but that were nonetheless handled with sensitivity.

"I Will Greet The Sun Again" is a beautifully written journey of self-discovery and identity that resonates with the human spirit, inviting self-reflection on life's important moments. I would highly recommend it as one of your summer reads!

The Birthday Party by Laurent Mauvignier

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dark mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The “Birthday Party” takes place during a nightmarish evening in a small hamlet in the north of France. The book centres on the Bergognes family; Patrice a farmer, Marion his wife and their daughter Ida. They have only one neighbour, Christine, a Parisian painter who has come to seek calm in the countryside, with her dog Raja. The family life of the Bergones is not as idyllic as it seems. Marion doesn't seem so happy living in the hamlet with Patrice and Patrice in turn copes with their marriage problems by sometimes visiting a brothel in a neighbouring town. The story begins one afternoon while Ida, Patrice and Christine are preparing Marion's surprise birthday party; Raja mysteriously disappears and three strangers start prowling around the hamlet.

What makes this book special is the tension that is built within the story. The reader never relaxes, during the Marion’s “birthday dinner” secrets surface and tensions keep rising. Every character is dissected; their feelings, their past, their intentions and their relationships.The author makes us wonder how much we really know about the past of the people we live with. A psychological thriller that allows the reader to breathe only when they reach the last page. All in all, I really enjoyed this book and Mauvignier’s writing style is beautiful! The only thing I found a bit challenging was the pace which was quite slow for me - but the pace really amplifies the tension in the book so it actually works to the story’s advantage.

Definitely, a must read for people who love a slow burn thriller!

Advanced reading copy of “The Birthday Party” provided by NetGalley and Fitzcarraldo Editions in exchange of an honest review

#thebirthdayparty#NetGalley

Αλκυονίδες μέρες by Ευτυχία Γιαννάκη

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adventurous dark medium-paced